Groups support soil carbon pilot program in Farm Bill

By American Coalition for Ethanol | December 12, 2018

ADVERTISEMENT

The American Coalition for Ethanol, Environmental Entrepreneurs, the National Corn Growers Association, and the Natural Resources Defense Council thank the Farm Bill conferees for including a new pilot Environmental Quality Incentive Program in the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Report to promote and document the benefits of farming practices which improve soil health.

“We appreciate the leadership of Senator Wyden, D-Ore., in working with both House and Senate negotiators in securing the original provision in the Senate bill that will encourage farmers to implement and document the true greenhouse benefits of crop production that can make a meaningful impact in the fight against climate change,” said Nicole Lederer, co-founder of E2.

“This new EQIP provision provides the tools to incentivize farmers to adopt smart soil management practices that improve soil health to increase drought resiliency, improve nutrient utilization, and enhance soil carbon sequestration,” said Keith Alverson, South Dakota farmer and NCGA board member. “EQIP is a critical conservation working lands program most adept at helping farmers adopt new practices that improve production while enhancing ecosystem benefits related to agriculture. As a farmer, I have seen the benefits of these practices on my own farm and look forward to working with USDA to document these environmental values on a larger scale.”

“The economic value farmers can receive from being properly credited for their ability to sequester carbon and participate in low carbon fuel markets and for other climate policies is significant,” said Brian Jennings, ACE CEO. “ACE is committed to fostering the development of these low carbon market opportunities that also increase income to farmers and rural America.”